THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

THE PREMIER LUXURY HOME AND LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
Orient PRESENTED BY NICHOLAS J. PLANAMENTO OF WILLIAM RAVEIS SEE PAGE 17
$1,450,000
Lic. Assoc. R.E. Broker O 631.354.8100 | M 631.905.8584 kristy.naddell@elliman.com
with me today! The right representation matters. Kristy B. Naddell
#1 North Fork Agent by Transactions, Sales Volume and Gross Commission Income for 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024* Ranked Top 1.5% Nationwide by RealTrends Verified**
BR, 4.5 BA | Web# 857922 Tranquil Waterfront Estate with Pool
| $2,250,000 2 BR, 1 BA | 2.42 Acres | Web# L3584002
Peconic | $35.5MM | 11 Bedrooms | 10 Full & 6 Half Baths | Waterfront
Orient | $15MM | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Full & 1 Half Baths | 3 Parcels
This expansive waterside property offers privacy, potential, and versatility on 3 separate parcels. The land is agricultural-zoned and includes a privet farm with 16,500 California Privet Shrubs and 8,000 seedlings.
Nestled along a deep-water creek on the North Fork of Long Island lies a once-in-a-lifetime, 148-acre waterfront estate. The perfect sanctuary for you and your guests to escape the frantic pace of everyday life. BEHIND A LUSH PRIVET HEDGE LIES OVER 102+ WATERSIDE ACRES OF OPPORTUNITY
East Marion | $6.25MM | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Baths
Bay Front | Pool
Welcome to your Bay Front Escape on the North Fork!This home has every aspect of beach living. Incredible views, 1.38 acres and 286 feet of expansive sugar sand beach. Inclusive of an additional 0.34 acre lot.
Laurel | $4.5MM | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Baths | Bayfront
Garage | Wine Cellar | Generator
Wake up to water views and 100 feet of bay beach that instantly hits your refresh button. This stunning bayfront is great for gatherings or spreading out in peace. Road to Bay properties like this are rare and are coveted on the boulevard!
Mattituck | $6.25MM | 4 Bedrooms | 5 Baths Sound Front | Pool
Your search is over. If you’ve been looking for that rare blend of modern design and stunning sound front sunsets, look no further. This incredible Res4-Build on the Long Island Sound is located within one of Mattituck’s most coveted locations.
Orient | $3.8MM | 3 + Bedrooms | 2 Full + 2 Half Baths | Sound Front | Pool
This stately Dutch Colonial sound front is the perfect blend of privacy, luxury and natural beauty. Sweeping water views, a private Gunite pool, full basement with an oversized two car garage and a warm inviting interior.
Riverhead | $5.1MM | 5 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms Elevator | Pool
Big E farm - former thoroughbred horse-breeding ranch and home to Robert Entenmann. 22+ Acres and Manor house. Land and home may also be sold separately.
$2.65MM | Comm/Retail | Sale or Lease
This iconic location is a prime opportunity in the heart of Greenport Village. High traffic, high visibility, 3900 square feet, 2 garages, 3 parking spots. Retail/Living are permitted uses. Sale or short term lease.
4 LOT APPROVED SUBDIVISION
Riverhead | $2.6MM | Approved 4 Lot Subdivision with DRS Land
27 acres of land with approved 4 lot subdivision. This is the opportunity to make your mark on the North Fork! Great road frontage and visibility at the intersection of Roanoke and Sound Avenue.
BAYFRONT CONDO ON THE VILLAGE FRINGE!
Greenport | $1.9MM | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths 2 Fireplaces | Boat Slip
The best of both worlds! Steps from all that Greenport has to offer, yet the peace of being in this coveted, deep water, private condo community.
THE LAVENDER HOUSE BY THE SEA
East Marion | $1.495MM | 4 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | Solar | Fireplace
The Lavender House, is a timeless Seaside escape. Nestled just steps from the tranquil beaches of East Marion. Furnishings available for purchase.
GREAT OPPORTUNITY
Jamesport | $2.4MM | Land | Rural Corridor and Rb-80 zoning
Over 24 acres with multiple buildings on the property, including retail and a 1700s Farmhouse. This is a great opportunity to have multiple revenue streams or live/work.
Mattituck | $1.795MM | Retail/Tasting Room 2 Apartments | Greenhouse
Nestled in the bustling heart of Mattituck, this exceptional commercial property offers the perfect blend of retail space and residential income opportunities. Zoned for Hamlet Business.
UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN Cutchogue | $2MM | Land
This extraordinary lot is located in Cutchogue, A.K.A. The Sunniest Spot in New York State! 11.57 acres including a shy 3-acre building envelope. This conservation subdivision is the perfect blend
Greenport | $1.695MM | 3 Bedrooms
1.5 Baths | Pool | Beach Rights
IDYLLIC CRAFTSMAN RETREAT
Mattituck | $1.25MM | 3 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths
This one-of-a-kind, mid-century modern was designed by renowned architect Claude Samton. Incredible light, gorgeous landscape, Ipe decking and beach rights to a gorgeous Sound Front beach makes this your refuge from everyday life!
BROOKLYN IN THE HOUSE! Greenport Village | $1.195MM | New Construction | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths
Gracefully perched above James Creek, this pristine 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath Craftsman home is a rare sanctuary. Gather by one of two gas fireplaces, cook and entertain in the gourmet kitchen, and dine in a sunlit garden room that opens to an expansive deck with breathtaking views.
This chic, stylish home is steps to Greenport Village. It was built with a nod to the Brooklyn Brownstone. Stunning new construction features cedar shake shingles and an artisan’s touch throughout.
Presented by Nicholas J. Planamento of William Raveis
Sustainable Style — Top Tastemakers show how EcoConscious Interiors can be Just as Elegant as They are Enduring
Soundfront Retreat — This Nassau Point Estate Offers Waterfront Privacy in one of The North Fork’s Most Coveted Locations
The North Fork Real Estate Market Continues its Climb 24
Design
Out with Generic and in with Purpose: Today’s Architectural Designs are Personal and Personable
Shopping Furniture by Design — Famous Names in Iconic Furniture Design
Look For Our Next Issue: Fall 2025
PRESIDENT / CEO
Jim Miller
PUBLISHER
Claudette Greenstein
DESIGN
Fontsy Design Inc.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Lana Bortolot | Heather Buchanan
Mila Everhart | Alice Phillips
Hannah Selinger | Heather Senison
Annie Sisk | Beverly Stephen Jaxon Wilde
PHOTOGRAPHY
Mary Thames-Louis
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Ellen Miller
SOCIAL MEDIA
East End Social
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North
“ What impressed us most was the quality of the craftsmanship. The materials used were top-notch, and every part of the project was built with precision and care.
We also appreciated the transparency and the team’s willingness to make adjustments as needed..Their attention to detail and dedication to excellence truly sets them apart from other contractors we’ve worked with in the past.
Overall, we couldn’t be happier and highly recommend NFWW to anyone looking for a reliable, skilled, and trustworthy home builder.”
-Mike & Kathy T., East Marion
10 Beds | 11 Baths | Guest House | Pool House | Tennis | Deep Water Dock
$23,000,000
Rarely available in size, scope, and setting, this generational Nassau Point estate is a standout along the Peconic Bay—its beauty long admired by passing boaters. Set on 4.23 acres with over 300 feet of private beachfront, it offers unmatched privacy in one of the North Fork’s most desirable waterfront enclaves. At its heart is a nearly 9,000-square-foot residence that masterfully blends timeless design with modern functionality. Expansive, light-filled living spaces frame sweeping bay views, while 8 bedrooms and 8.5 bathrooms are thoughtfully distributed across multiple wings for effortless living and entertaining. Amenities include a movie room, home gym, and sauna. A separate two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest cottage adds further flexibility for hosting. Outdoors, a deepwater dock provides direct access to Peconic Bay, while the waterside gunite pool, tennis court, and pool house create a true resort-like experience. The impeccably landscaped grounds are dotted with mature specimen trees and ornamental plantings, offering natural beauty and seclusion throughout. Every detail has been carefully curated to deliver a rare combination of scale, comfort, and coastal luxury—an offering of enduring significance, whether envisioned as a legacy compound or seasonal retreat.
BY HEATHER SENISON
The sustainability trend is catching on, and designers say it can grow right in your home. “Sustainability in home decor means creating beautiful spaces while being mindful of environmental impact,” said Lana Wear, president and chief executive officer of the home staging company HomeWear Designs.
It’s making choices that are better for the planet — like using long-lasting materials, avoiding waste and choosing items that are made responsibly, added Leslie Chapus, vice president and co-founder of the outdoor furnishings company Azenco Outdoor.
“It’s about creating a beautiful home while also being thoughtful about how things are made and where they end up,” Chapus said.
The age of fast fashion and decor has fueled a disposable culture that prioritizes price and convenience over quality and longevity, experts said.
But now, folks are craving permanence again, said Jordy Murray, founder of the design firm Friends of Form.
“A thoughtfully layered space that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle creates a deeper sense of place,” the designer said. “When you know where something came from, or why it was chosen, it changes the energy of a room.”
People are often wary of the time, effort and cost of incorporating sustainable materials into their
homes, but it doesn’t have to be difficult and expensive, designers said.
It can mean selecting natural or recycled materials, eco-friendly paints and stains, and energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
“I purchase pillow inserts from a U.S.-based company that’s OceanCycle Certified, helping reduce ocean plastic and support coastal communities,” Wear explained. While you’re shopping, prioritize quality over quantity and convenience with a method Murray calls “buy nice, or buy twice.”
To clarify: “Instead of buying trendy items that don’t last, choose high-quality pieces that you’ll love for years,” Chapus said.
“Add mirrors, or even install adjustable outdoor features like louvered pergolas to let in more light and reduce the need for artificial lighting,” to reduce your household’s consumption of resources, she advised.
Next time you’re itching for new decor, shop your own home first, designers suggested. “Sometimes a fresh coat of paint or new hardware can give old furniture a whole new life,” Chapus said.
Nantucket-inspired waterfront estate with 130’ private beach located at 1640 Grandview Drive in Orient. Featuring over 5,000 sf of upscale living space, this home takes advantage of the hilltop setting and encompasses sweeping views over the Long Island Sound. Luxury is apparent: Spacious covered porch entry leads to foyer, living room with clerestory windows overlooking the water and vaulted ceilings, large dining room, immaculate kitchen with breakfast area overlooks the lush landscape of this coastal retreat. Open plan family room with gas fireplace leads to waterside terrace, primary floor owner’s suite with fireplace, sunroom/sitting room and a home office with private en suite bath (or 5th bedroom). Upstairs is found a large sitting room, billiard/family room, sewing/craft room, junior owner’s suite with full bath, plus an additional 2 bedrooms with ’Jack & Jill’ bath. Immaculate and well-maintained, this ‘estate’ also features a wine cellar, full house generator, outdoor shower and other quality details not to be missed. Room for a waterside pool. No flood insurance needed. North Fork living at its BEST! $4,250,000
ONCE PART OF THE HISTORIC ORIOLE FARM, THIS RARE ESTATE PARCEL OFFERS AN EXTRAORDINARY OPPORTUNITY TO CRAFT A PRIVATE SHELTER ISLAND RETREAT WITH SWEEPING VIEWS AND TIMELESS APPEAL.
In the heart of one of Shelter Island’s most exclusive villages, Dering Harbor, is a remarkable 8.2- acre estate parcel that was once part of the storied “Oriole Farm” is available for the first time in generations. Framed by cultivated gardens, views of Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, and the natural beauty of Shelter Island, this legacy property offers the rare chance to create a private sanctuary of scale and sophistication. We sat down with veteran broker Gary DePersia of The Corcoran Group to learn more about this extraordinary offering and the unique lifestyle that Dering Harbor affords.
Gary, what makes this estate parcel in Dering Harbor such a unique opportunity?
This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime offering. You’re looking at 8.2 acres in Dering Harbor, Shelter Island New York’s smallest and arguably most exclusive village. With only 35 homes in this 200-acre enclave, the chance to own such a significant, pristine piece of land is incredibly rare.
Can you tell us more about the property’s history? Absolutely. This parcel was once part of the famed “Oriole Farm,” the private arboretum and cultivated gardens of Alice Fisk, a legendary horticulturist. The land carries with it a legacy of beauty, heritage, and tranquility. It’s steeped in history and has remained untouched for many generations, until now.
What kind of potential does this property offer to a prospective buyer?
The scale and serenity of this parcel give you room to create something truly special. There’s space for a grand manor, a pool, a pool house, tennis court, and even a carriage house with legal living quarters above. It’s a blank canvas for someone looking to make a lasting mark in this exclusive area.
Plus, it’s just a short walk to Dering Harbor’s village center, sandy beaches, charming boutiques, and fine waterfront dining. It’s island living at its best.
Are there any practical benefits of owning in Dering Harbor compared to other Shelter Island locations?
How does the location enhance the appeal of this estate?
It’s ideally positioned directly across from Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, offering peaceful views and a refined atmosphere.
Yes, and that’s an important point. Dering Harbor has its own municipal water supply, which means reliable, highquality water year-round—critical for both your home and landscaping. It also offers a discreet service entrance on the west side of the property, enhancing privacy and accessibility.
What kind of buyer is this property ideal for?
This is for anyone looking to build a timeless legacy in a setting that’s as private as it is prestigious. If you’re drawn to history, nature, and elegance—and want the freedom to create your dream estate then this property is calling.
Any final thoughts for potential buyers?
Come walk the land, feel the breeze, breathe in the salt air. It’s not just a property, it’s an invitation to craft something extraordinary. This is your chance to build a sanctuary that will stand the test of time and become your legacy.
Learn more about 31 Manhanset Road: Gary DePersia 516.380.0538 | gdp@corcoran.com
R. DePersia
North Fork | East Marion. You remember the feeling. You’re on holiday on the coast of some Caribbean isle or on the cliff of a European town overlooking the Mediterranean. Each morning when your head leaves the pillow you know you are on vacation with broad expanses of water dotted with boats and vistas of other shores. Much closer to home, only 100 miles from Manhattan, you can recreate that feeling each and every day when you develop this very private, nearly 12 acre waterfront, meadow-like parcel composed of two 5.7 acres lots spanning 350’ along the North Fork’s Long Island Sound. With all permitting work done on each lot, a savvy buyer would save hundreds of thousands of dollars and months of waiting to begin construction of a significant house, waterside pool, tennis court and even a guest house for those who would undoubtedly flock to help you enjoy your grand, new estate. The low, but stable bluff, provides easy access down a gentle pebbled path to the beach from where you’ll enjoy an abundance of aquatic activities while conversation and laughter will resound around the inevitable nighttime beach fires. The property affords ample opportunity to create your own vineyard, apple orchard or a field of wildflowers through which your driveway will meander right to your front door. Only a few miles from both the ferries of Greenport and Orient Point, this well positioned property provides easy access to everything that has made the North Fork the new sought after destination. At night, go into town for dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking Shelter Island or head to one of the many vineyards for a wine tasting. But on clear evenings, eat early as you might want to get back for some of the most beautiful sunsets anywhere, as the sun seems to disappear somewhere into the Sound leaving the horizon a purplish haze. Best of all, you won’t need a passport, a pat down or a plane ticket. Just get in your car and head East. When you get there, you’ll know...and remember.
The North Fork real estate market continues its climb—powered by highend sales, strategic pricing, and a shift toward smart, long-term investments.
BY HEATHER SENISON
Both Corcoran and Douglas Elliman reported a 13% year-over-year jump in the median sales price for the second quarter of 2025, with prices approaching or surpassing the $1 million mark. The median hit $999,000, according to Corcoran, while Douglas Elliman reported a record $1.09 million.
Meanwhile, listing inventory continued its downward trend for the third consecutive year, intensifying competition for well-priced homes.
“If the market feels a home is priced well when it first comes on, then it’s jumped all over,” said Sheri Winter Parker, an associate broker with the Corcoran Group.
“If it’s priced a little high, they’re watching it,” she continued. “Once it’s reduced to a number that the public feels is the right number, then it’s getting snagged up. The buyers are a bit more educated at this point.”
Kristy Naddell, an associate broker with Douglas Elliman, described a more balanced summer where buyers gained a bit of leverage. “The market started off a little slower than sellers hoped, but the summer opened up some negotiation room for buyers,” she said.
Naddell observed that activity is strongest below $2 million and above $3 million, while the $2 to $3 million range is quieter. She recently went into contract on a historic circa 1915 home at 1750 Mount Beulah in Southold, that was listed for $3.995 million.
Compass agent Bridget Elkin said momentum is growing at the high end of the market. She highlighted the recent $8 million sale of 3745 Nassau Point Road in Cutchogue as a new record for a single-lot home. “The strength of demand at the higher end, despite broader economic
Own your piece of the ever-growing North Fork! A warm and inviting entrance of custom landscaping ranging from over 100 plantings and brand new sod draws you into a timeless new construction situated at the end of a private road, nestled on two acres of land. Clean lines and bold finishes command the 2x6 framed, cedar shingle lined farmhouse. Two primary suites. Three floors of living space. Screened in porch right off the poolside. Full finished basement with 9 foot ceilings and outside entrance. Gunite salt water, heated pool with a detached pool house. Outside shower. This house simply has it all. White oak 7 1/2 inch wide plank flooring. Custom kitchen with white Carrara marble countertops, farm sink and thermador appliances. Anderson 400 series windows. Two fireplaces. Vaulted spaces. Thoughtful design and privacy like you haven’t seen before. Close to beaches, wineries, farms and everything the North Fork has to offer. There’s nothing like brand new! $2,499,990 5697 Westphalia Avenue, Mattituck
Michael Hejmej, CBR, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
uncertainty, surprised some, but the shift toward hard assets makes sense,” Elkin said.
Douglas Elliman agent Paul Loeb, meanwhile, described the market as “unpredictable but steady.” His favorite sale of the year so far was a unique, three-level build at 410 Aquaview Avenue in East Marion, currently in contract with a list price of $1.563 million.
“I had sold the smaller, sloping, challenging lot to the current owners, who created an innovative design,” including a roof deck with a water view, he said. “The build flows beautifully and makes good use of all the space on the limited lot.”
Aquebogue and Jamesport saw the biggest boost in dollar volume, up 83% to $18.5 million, according to the Corcoran Group.
“Sometimes people overlook Jamesport, which is part of Riverhead township but is certainly the North Fork,” Naddell said. “It’s closer to the city and Brooklyn, has great bayfront and soundfront properties, and still offers good value.”
The midsection of the North Fork, particularly Mattituck and Cutchogue, is also seeing strong performance. Loeb attributes this to availability and proximity, as well. “They’re further west, which means shorter commutes for second-home buyers from western Suffolk, Nassau and New York City,” he said.
East Marion is a sleeper hit, Loeb added: “East Marion, like Orient, has a smaller school district than other North Fork towns, so taxes are lower,” he said, adding that he’s selling waterfront new construction there with taxes of less than $6,000.
Elkin pointed to Greenport as a standout. “With a vibrant commercial district, walkability, train and Jitney access, and quick connectivity to Shelter Island, it stands out as a dynamic hub of North Fork life,” she said.
This fall, North Fork sellers should price realistically and lean on their agent’s guidance, Naddell advised.
“If you overpriced a listing and then have to drop the price, you end up getting less than if you had priced it right to begin with,” she said. “You only get to launch once,” Winter Parker
agreed. Those looking to buy, on the other hand, should have their financing ready to go.
“Buyers should absolutely wait for the right opportunity,” Elkin said, “but when it comes, they need to act with clarity and intention to secure a property they’re truly excited about.” And remember to “have some fun while buying,” Loeb noted. “Let the good North Fork memories begin with the house hunt.”
MATTITUCK: Salt Lake Village! Beautiful waterfront with deep water boating and sandy beach! This is the one home you’ve been dreaming of! So much to see and enjoy with wide open blue water views and nature at your doorstep. Sun-filled days are yours with room for family friends. This spacious one level home offers a fabulous great room with wood burning fireplace. The gourmet kitchen with center island, wet bar and pantry is perfect for entertaining. Main bedroom with fireplace and en suite bath. Three additional bedrooms and 2 full baths. Hardwood floors. Enclosed heated grand sunroom with slate floor. Floating deepwater dock for your own boat at your door. Deeded association bay beach and your own sandy beach too. One of the most sought-after private communities.
MLS#823903
$2,650,000
BAITING HOLLOW: Experience coastal living with amazing sunsets & water views from most rooms. This tri-level cedar shingled mother daughter home is set peacefully at a cul de sac overlooking a nature preserve and Long Island Sound! Gourmet modern kitchen, Primary BR on the 1st floor. The 2nd floor has an upper deck with views and 2 BRS and bath. Enclosed porch and deck all with captivating sound views. Family room with fireplace, gym and hot tub area! Experience privacy, trees, and deeded beach with parking. Room for a pool. Kayak, swim, fish or stroll the miles of beautiful ever-changing shoreline.
MLS#861034
JAMESPORT: Waterfront! This home was designed for large families. Everyone has their own private space and room plus 3 living rooms for games and movies. Read on the balcony and see the beautiful Connecticut shoreline in the distance. Great room with island for extra seating when the whole family gathers. Cozy up in front of the fireplace or head to your own private sandy beach, with a path and deck with access to miles of shoreline for walking, beach combing, fishing, or just floating around in the Sound. Covered porch for dining, rocking chair front porch and sunset viewing deck on the sound all yours! 4 bedrooms, plus nooks and crannies for extended family friends. This home has hardwood floors, an outdoor shower, and offers tri level living space. Come one come all and celebrate summer seaside living here on the North Fork!
MLS#822874
$1,395,000
JAMESPORT: 10.95 ACRES! 2 acre lot with building rights intact and 8.95 acres development rights sold. Good privacy as well. Design and build your forever home here and start your own vineyard, nursery or equestrian dream! Ideal for nursery, field crops, grapes, flowers or horses! Well on property for irrigation. Buy now build later! Great organic farm. This is an awesome investment!
MLS#852570
MATTITUCK: Deep water dock on East side of Mattituck Inlet. Beautiful custom cedar shingled ranch style home. 2 BRS, 1.5 baths, hw floors, wood burning fireplace for the chilly winter days and nights. These wide expansive waterviews are yours! Quiet setting, close to Mattituck inlet. 2nd level unfinished and ready for expansion. Bailey Beach nearby for a day at the beach. Come and experience the North Fork.
MLS#861585
$1,349,000
$1,200,000
JAMESPORT: Dreamy Seaside artist cottage by the bay. Experience afternoon bay breezes as you enjoy your garden on this quaint and quiet lane. Close to town beach with playground, lighted tennis, pickle ball courts & boat ramp! 2 BRS, LR, Kitchen, full bath, hw floors & spacious 3 season porch. Deck & patio with a gazebo for added outdoor enjoyment. Room to expand. Separate storage barn and garden shed. Isn't it time to find your own place on the North Fork? You will be delighted with your own year-round getaway.
MLS#829110
$620,000
$1,285,000
Out with
and in with Purpose: Today’s Designs are Personal and Personable
BY LANA BORTOLOT
If you feel like keeping up with home trends is like cool hunting or fast fashion, it may be time to put on the brakes and slow down. Forget the Pantone color of the year, the must-have appliance and mid-century mania. These pros say it’s time to embrace timelessness and intention.
Based on the North Fork, Jaclyn Charron, owner of her eponymous design firm, brings her experience renovating and collaborating with her builder husband to her interior design practice. Together, they are embarking on projects that involve renovation, even down to the studs, and then a complete interior design for a total turnkey opportunity.
Charron specializes in sourcing existing items and giving them new life by upholstering or refinishing them anew or fresh context by mixing with other pieces, often from showrooms. And it’s a trend that clients are adapting as they seek to make their homes look comfy and creative.
“Working with a patina furnishes a room so that it doesn’t look ‘bought’ but has an offbeat touch and is more distinctive,” Charron says, noting that in the age of Pinterest and online shopping, many homes end up looking cookie
cutter. “Working within the world of vintage allows you to provide a unique product because there’s a scarcity of that item—not a lot of people have it.”
Charron is keen on finding stand-out and stand-alone items that can establish a space, have a function but also serve as heirloomquality pieces. For a recent home design, she eschewed the traditional working kitchen island for a vintage Chinese alter table, reworked to function in the kitchen at counter height. It’s part of her practice to create what she calls “hard-working rooms”—spaces that have identity, intention, function and beauty. The designer says her practice is also about reducing waste when once-loved pieces are
rescued—something that sustainable-minded clients appreciate.
Kristen Farrell is no stranger when it comes to figuring out the next hot thing in residential design. She launched her own business last year, stepping away from the homebuilding work for which she was known as a partner in Farrell Building Company, distancing herself from the trend cycle, as well.
“The build-design industry is in a copycat cycle of trends,” says Farrell, now rebranded under Kristen Farrell & Co., her bespoke design/build company. Whereas building plans were once the driver of a project, now
that’s intention—how clients want to use their space, how to curate for that, and, in the end, to deliver a home that speaks to function, flow and family.
“Before we even put a shovel in the ground, we are thinking through the flow and intentional use of space and how we meet the needs in the room-to-room experience,” she says.
That process involves a deep dive into materials: how they mix and layer—not match—to give a home a sophisticated overlay, but not so formal that people can’t feel at home.
“A home is not a show,” she says. “It is the most intimate space you experience on a daily basis; it is a family- centric and comfortable. We have conversations about livability, not design.”
Saying much of contemporary interior design on the East End has trended toward “a marshmallow” look, Farrell says “for the first time it feels like the Hamptons decorating frenzy is stalling and people are considering more thoughtful spaces, and looking for projects to having the right flow and a uniqueness.”
At Stelle Lomont Rouhani, a Bridgehamptonbased architecture firm that specializes in coastal residences, partner Viola Rouhani says there is a trend towards “warmth and layering of natural
materials and textures. Post-Covid, there is also a trend towards houses working harder. They are no longer just a place to live, they are also a place for wellness and for working.”
“We are always looking to make the most of every situation and figure out how to make spaces feel effortless, easy on the eye and not overcomplicated,” she says.
“When we think about the house, it’s not only about the present, but the future of the house and [its] maintenance and that all ties into the idea of sustainability,” she says. “Over time, that has attracted a lot of clients to us because we approach environmental circumstances in a way that feels very intentional.”
Inside, interior design partner Eleanor Donnelly says “you want to make sure that the design elements are respecting the architectural concepts for the room. … by pairing complementary colors and textures [and] developing a sophisticated aesthetic palette that exudes harmony, serenity and establishes a feel for a home.”
She adds, “We tend to approach projects with a distilled palette … we’re not afraid of color but there are not rainbows everywhere. We like to work within a lane of color that speaks to the materials that are part of the architecture, and also take inspiration from the location.”
To that end, Michael Lomont says one of the firm’s signature programs is optimizing opportunities for seamless indoor/outdoor living. “People come out here for a reason and that is not to see more development, but the beautiful landscape and to interact with that,” he says.
Furniture by architects and renowned designers has visual appeal and staying power that offsets the initial cost. Iconic recognizable pieces also telegraph a message that their owners have taste and may even increase the value of their home to potential buyers. Famous names in iconic furniture design include Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Frank Lloyd Wright, Eric Saarinen, Frank Gehry, Eileen Gray, Leila and Massimo Vignelli, Charles and Ray Eames and more up and coming.
Tables and benches by internationally celebrated Italian husband-and-wife duo Lella and Massimo Vignelli have recently been released in new colors such as ochre designed in collaboration with Laura GuidoClark. $892.50, hellerfurniture.com
Italian-Brazilian architect Lina Bo Bardi designed Bardi’s Bowl Chair in 1951 encouraging a natural and more relaxed posture. $6,510, arper.com
Indoor/outdoor chair designed by JUMBO’s Justin Donnelly and Monling Lee, architects and foodies, is inspired by the iconic fortune cookie.
$1,175, hellerfuriture.com / dwr.com
Eileen Gray’s glass and chrome E1027 adjustable height table still looks current as it nears its 100th anniversary. Gray originally designed the table for her sister who ate breakfast in bed.
$1,625 store.moma.org
The Knoll Barcelona chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich for the German Pavilion for the International Exposition in 1929 held in Barcelona, Spain. $5,595, dwr.com
The Vignelli brown living room coffee table is a strong visual focal point. $1,650, hellerfurniture.com
Produced by Beverly Stephen
SOUNDFRONT OASIS
Mattituck | $5.75MM | 3+ Bedrooms | 3 Full & 2 Half Baths | Sound Front | Pool
Perched on a 100-foot-high bluff with commanding views of Long Island Sound, this exceptional 3 + bedroom, 5 bath contemporary home is a rare fusion of design, privacy, and natural beauty. Originally designed and built in 1986 by architect Sanford Hanuer for his own use, the 3,348 sq ft residence was completely reimagined in 2011, preserving its architectural integrity while introducing luxurious modern updates. Set on 2.45 acres with 190 feet of private beachfront, the home is sited at an angle to capture uninterrupted water views from every room. Floor-to-ceiling windows, bluestone and wide ash plank flooring, and three fireplaces create a warm yet sophisticated interior. The Eggersmann-designed kitchen with butler’s pantry is a chef’s dream, and the home’s layout includes a loft and multiple decks and patios ideal for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The white-stained cedar exterior blends harmoniously with the surroundings. Below the home, a 50-foot pool with lanai and expansive deck is tucked 10 feet down the bluff, preserving both privacy and unobstructed views. Two + bedrooms are sectioned off to serve as a separate guest cottage. Every inch of this property has been thoughtfully designed to elevate the art of waterfront living - from floor to ceiling windows, white Italian marble bathrooms to golden-hour dinners on the patio overlooking the Sound. This is not to be missed!